FAQ About Our Division

What is Institutional Advancement?

Institutional Advancement is the total plan to connect all the strengths of the University and its members that enable the organization to perform its mission with excellence. This program involves everyone connected to the University – students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. Advancement enables them to play a part in the work and growth of the University and allows it to face the challenges of the future with vigor.

The team of professionals that creates opportunities for involvement and support for Barry University makes up the Division of Institutional Advancement. This division is charged with gathering the resources needed to maintain and expand the University’s educational excellence.

What programs are coordinated by this division?

The Division of Institutional Advancement serves the University and the community by:

• Recording and acknowledging all contributions to the University;
• Coordinating all fundraising activities of the University;
• Conducting the Annual Fund drive;
• Memorializing former faculty, staff, and students through scholarships;
• Assisting donors with their estate and deferred giving plans;
• Fostering positive relationships between the University and community leaders and alumni;
• Designing and implementing capital campaigns to enable the University to expand, renovate, build, and maintain financial viability; and
• Securing contributions from foundations, individuals, and corporations.

The Vice President for Institutional Advancement administers fund raising, alumni affairs, public information, community relations and special events.

How does the University coordinate grant writing?

The Department of Grants and Research pursues grant opportunities by:

• Providing information and consultation on grant proposal writing;
• Tracking various funding sources and disseminating this information to University departments;
• Offering resource materials to grant seekers; and
• Serving as a clearinghouse for all grants being requested and received by any member of the University family.

How does the division process giving information?

The Department of Records offers administrative support to departments within the Division of Institutional Advancement by:

• Managing information systems, computer operations, and record-keeping;
• Processing all donations to the University, including reports on all transactions;
• Maintaining the database on alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff, corporations, foundations, matching companies, and employers of our alumni.

How does information about support for Barry University reach the community?

The Department of University Relations serves the advancement efforts of Barry University by:

• Promoting giving opportunities and the accomplishments of the University by publishing “The Barry Magazine” three times a year;
• Providing support for alumni outreach by publishing “The Alumni Connection” three times a year;
• Informing the community of the annual growth of the University through “The President’s Report”- edition of “The Barry Magazine;” and
• Assisting the Division’s production of printed materials for the solicitation of gifts to the University.

For more information, contact Tom Severino, Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at 305-899-3070 (toll-free: 1-800-756-6000, ext. 3070) or e-mail tseverino@mail.barry.edu.